Historic Preservation Grant Program

The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission oversees the Historic Preservation Grant Program and is now accepting grant applications from non-profit organizations seeking funds to be used for historic preservation projects. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2023. 

There is $28,800 available. Typical grant awards are under $5,000, however they are not limited to that number. See below for eligibility requirements, funding history, and additional application information. The eligibility requirements detailed below must be met for your organization's project to be eligible for consideration.

All interested grant applicants are invited to attend a grant application clinic during the next regular meeting of the Linn County Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, February 15 at 4:00 p.m. in the Jean Oxley Service Center. This will be an opportunity for applicants to ask the commissioners for feedback on how to create a successful grant application. Applicants are welcome to ask questions around project scope, project eligibility, completing the grant application itself, or any other related items.

Apply for FY24 Historic Preservation Grant

 Historic Preservation Grant Program Application Online Form

Timeline

DateActivity
Feb. 1, 2023Grant application opens
Feb. 15, 2023 at 4 p.m.Grant briefing for grant applicants during regular Historic Preservation Commission meeting at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center 
March 4, 2023 at 10 a.m.Grant briefing with Q&A session
March 31, 2023 at 5 p.m.Application deadline
April 19, 2023Presentations to the Historic Preservation Commission (optional)
May 3, 2023Applications reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission
June 1, 2023Appeal deadline
June 15, 2023Funding announced
July 5, 2023Funded projects may begin
March 15, 2024Funded projects must be complete and final report submitted


  1. Eligibility

Applicant Eligibility 

Organizations must be a non-profit located in Linn County and must show proof of non-profit status, such as an IRS opinion letter establishing tax-exempt status or official articles of incorporation. If an organization is a chapter of a national group, applicants must provide documentation that their Linn County chapter is recognized by the parent chapter. Due to legal restrictions, Iowa Code Section 331.901(5), organizations under ecclesiastical or sectarian management are not eligible for Linn County grant funds.

Requirements for applicants:

  • Follow the Grant Application Instructions
  • Must be in compliance with all reporting requirements for any previously approved Linn County historic preservation grant.
  • May not be a current Linn County Historic Preservation Commissioners nor may a current Commissioner present a grant application project on an applicant’s behalf

Completed grant applications must be:

  • Submitted though the online portal (no paper copies accepted)
  • Consistent with the application guidelines
  • Received by Linn County by the submission deadline of March 31, 2023

Project Eligibility

Projects must be aligned to one of the following categories:

Artifact / Collection Preservation

  • Collecting and preserving historical artifacts, materials, places, cemeteries, or monuments 
  • Maintaining a historical library or collection
  • Conducting historical studies or research; including National Register of Historic Places nominations

Building / Structure Treatment, Preservation or Restoration

  • Structure work for properties on or eligible for the National Register will be given priority. Applications that involve structure work are required to submit a Property Condition Worksheet and photos (see Grant Application Instructions)
  • Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of physical structures, e.g., buildings.

Interpretive Program

  • Issuing educational publications (not membership newsletters)
  • Providing public lectures of historical interest
  • Hosting conferences/meetings, trainings, or awareness events (e.g., genealogy research days, community digitization days, etc.)
  • Or otherwise disseminating a knowledge of the history of the area to the general public.

Applicants may not receive funding for the same project from this grant program and the Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust grant program.

Applicants cannot apply for more than one project per application. A separate application is needed for each project. If more than one request is in a single proposal, the entire application will be deemed ineligible. 

Requests must be for expenses not yet incurred and expenses that will not be incurred prior to the notification of funding (typically July 1). 

  1. Grant Briefing
  1. Applicant Information
  1. Completing an Application
  1. Appeal Process

Final Reports

All grant recipients must complete a final report and provide expense documentation. Organizations must complete their grant-funded projects and be current on the reporting requirements to be eligible for future grant funding.

Complete Final Report.